Prado Museum, Madrid

About the Prado

The architect Juan de Villanueva built the stone-and-brick building in the late 18th century for a natural history cabinet, and in 1819 it opened as the royal picture museum. The core of the collection was gathered by Spanish kings over centuries, which is why the Spanish, Flemish and Italian schools are especially strong.

With its neighbours, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía museums, the Prado forms Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art along the Paseo del Prado. In 2021 the boulevard and Retiro Park joined the UNESCO list as a landscape of arts and sciences. Behind the main building, a new wing in the former Jerónimos cloister hosts temporary exhibitions.

The masterpieces

At the heart of the museum are the galleries of Velázquez, court painter to Philip IV. His Las Meninas is one of the most enigmatic paintings ever made: the infanta and her attendants, the artist at his easel and the king and queen reflected in a mirror. Nearby hang his equestrian portraits and *The Spinners*.

A huge section is devoted to Goya, from bright tapestry cartoons and portraits of the royal family to the late Black Paintings, made on the walls of his house. Don't miss El Greco's elongated figures, Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights, teeming with fantastical creatures, or Titian, Rubens and Dürer.

What to see at the Prado

• Las Meninas — Velázquez's masterpiece.
• Goya — from royal portraits to the Black Paintings.
• The Garden of Earthly Delights — Bosch's triptych.
• El Greco — elongated figures and vivid colour.
• Titian and Rubens — the royal collection.
• The Prado Mona Lisa — a copy from Leonardo's workshop.

How to tackle the museum

The Prado is vast, and you can't see it all in one go. Pick up the free map of masterpieces at the entrance or download the audio guide: a standard route through the main galleries takes about two hours. Start with Velázquez on the ground floor, go up to Goya, then down to El Greco and Bosch.

Photography isn't allowed inside, and large bags go to the cloakroom. There's a café and a shop with good art books. If you want the Thyssen and Reina Sofía too, the Paseo del Arte combined ticket is handy, best split over two days.

Tips for your visit

Weekday mornings are quietest, with tour groups arriving towards noon. Wear comfortable shoes, as the corridors are long and benches few. Leafing through reproductions of the key works beforehand helps you find your favourites quickly.

After the museum, walk into Retiro Park, whose gate is right behind the Prado, passing the church of San Jerónimo el Real. For food, head across the boulevard to the Barrio de las Letras, full of tapas and vermouth bars.

Places in Madrid: compare and choose

Places in Madrid rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

43

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Madrid, Spain

2 h · Paid · 6 min walk

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42

Reina Sofía Museum

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2 h 30 min · Paid; free evenings · 11 min walk

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40

Retiro Park

Madrid, Spain

1 h 45 min · Free · 12 min walk

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Puerta del Sol

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How to do it right

• Book a morning ticket online.
• Free in the last 2 hours.
• No photos inside.
• The Retiro and Thyssen are next door.

Questions